Walking side by side: Dads supporting dads
Women have known for years about the benefits of sharing motherhood experiences - now it's the men's turn
Illawarra dads are having a moment.
A couple of weeks ago, we wrote about Paul Liddell and the group he’d created, Dad Gather, to help other men deal with the challenges of being a father. Now The Fathering Project has launched "walk and talk" sessions to further support the region’s dads.
While many mums benefit from established mothers’ groups and support networks, similar spaces for dads have historically been few and far between. But the evidence is clear: positive involvement by dads plays a huge role in the lives of their kids.
“Active father engagement not only reduces feelings of isolation for dads, but directly benefits children’s social and emotional development,” says The Fathering Project CEO Kati Gapaillard.
The Fathering Project (TFP) is Australia’s first evidence-based body dedicated to supporting fathers and has been operating a community hub in Port Kembla since 2022.
“Many men today strongly identify with their role as a father, but don’t always feel confident they have the knowledge or skills to support that role,” explains Tim Wemyss, community fathering manager in NSW.
“A lot of dads want to parent differently from how they were raised, but aren’t always sure what that looks like or where to turn for support.”
Introducing a new way to talk
As a result, The Fathering Project is kicking off regular walk and talk sessions in Corrimal and Shellharbour, giving dads a chance to get out of the house, stretch their legs and have a relaxed chat with other men also navigating fatherhood.
It’s all about finding connection, support and looking after your mental health, because when dads are doing well, their kids do well, too. And don’t worry, this isn’t a hardcore hike. No hiking boots or pre-workout shakes needed here. Just an easy wander, some fresh air and the opportunity to chat side by side.
“The weekly walk and talks are designed for dads to connect and engage with us and other dads,” Tim said.
“Dads are free to enjoy the walks with or without their children ... all of the locations have been chosen with playground and cafe facilities nearby to make the experience as easy as possible wherever dads are on their parenting journey.”
And there's no hard and fast rules about how dads should participate, just that they should.
"We know that the role of parents in general, but especially for fathers, can be one of isolation and we aim to boost the intentionality to get together and connect with other dads – feeling free to explore and discuss their role as dads or just be present and relax," Tim said.
For dads in the southern Illawarra, the Shellharbour walks will run on the first and third Tuesday each month. In the north, Corrimal sessions will take place on the second and fourth Tuesday each month.
Beyond the walk and talks, a monthly virtual dads group and an eight-week course offering hands-on parenting skills are currently in the works.
For more information about upcoming walk and talks and other programs, visit thefatheringproject.org or follow on Facebook and Instagram.
